Book of Abstracts: Regional Knowledge Forum on Drought: Earth Observation and Climate Services for Food Security and Agricultural Decision Making in South Asia and Southeast Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal, 8-10 October 2018

Qamer FM, Matin M, Bajracharya B, Ellenburg WL. 2019. Book of Abstracts: Regional Knowledge Forum on Drought: Earth Observation and Climate Services for Food Security and Agricultural Decision Making in South Asia and Southeast Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal, 8-10 October 2018. Quality Printers (Pvt.) Ltd., Kathamandu, Nepal: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Asia has some of the highest peaks in the world as well as several low-lying plains and coastal areas. River basins in Asia – such as the Ganges-Brahmaputra, Indus, Mekong, and Yangtze –provide water that sustains agriculture and livelihoods in the region. Agriculture in this region accounts for two-thirds of the global agricultural gross domestic product (GDP).

In a changing climate, this agricultural productivity will likely be effected negatively as changes in rainfall patterns and intensity affect agricultural production – especially in marginal rain-fed areas. There has been considerable progress on agro-climatic monitoring and modelling using remotely sensed information in combination with field knowledge to counter these negative impacts. Lessons from this work can provide a basis for sustainable crop management, and provide farmers with alternative options to adapt to changes in climate and cope with the impacts.

SERVIR, a joint initiative between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), helps developing countries integrate publicly available earth observation information and geospatial technologies into decision-making to address critical challenges in food security, water resources, weather and climate, land use, and natural disasters. As part of the SERVIR global network, underpinning regional knowledge exchange on the use of Earth observation tools and technologies in decision-making processes is crucial to our remit. This forum will help build synergies among national, regional, and international initiatives to share knowledge on emerging issues, and take us a step closer to providing solutions for national institutions and local communities. The forum brings together researchers and practitioners from Asia and beyond to discuss the emerging potential of Earth observation information and climate modelling to reduce climate related vulnerabilities in the agriculture sector in south and southeast Asia. Climate change is affecting the whole watershed, from mountain to sea. Vulnerable communities need help in adapting to and mitigating negative impact from these changes. We are continually striving to strengthen our programmes to promote resilient communities and strengthen ecosystem service in the region. We hope to achieve this through regional and international partnerships to further enhance regional capacities and develop a relevant knowledge base by using the best science and technology in Earth observation and climate sciences.